Tyrann Mathieu Dismissal Eliminates LSU National Championship Hopes

Tyrann Mathieu, aka the "Honey Badger," was dismissed from the LSU football team on Friday for violating team rules (per ESPN). This decision, by both parties, just disrupted the national college football landscape for the upcoming 2012 season.

The Honey Badger is arguably the most impactful college football player in the country. His defensive skills, alongside his touchdown prowess and special teams heroics had Mathieu as a Heisman Trophy candidate last season.

How can LSU come back from such a huge loss? Where will Tyrann Mathieu conclude his collegiate career? The better question may be, which team will overtake LSU in the Associated Press Top 25?

LSU may not miss the Honey Badger in the first few weeks of the college football season against some soft opponents, however, his impact will be dearly missed once the SEC season begins.

Last season, Mathieu scored two touchdowns on special teams, had two game-changing interceptions, 10 sacks, six forced fumbles and rallied the Tigers to unprecedented heights with a mediocre offense.

Now, the big question is which of the top teams in the country will skyrocket to the No. 1 overall spot following the recent news. LSU cannot remain on top with the loss of their best overall football player on their team and arguably the best in the country.

Most likely, No. 2 Alabama will move up to the top spot, but my choice to be the 2012 National Champions, the USC Trojans could leapfrog the Tide from the No. 3 spot to the No. 1 ranking.

Matt Barkley, Lane Kiffin and the USC Trojans are poised to steal the spotlight this season, as they win one of the last BCS National Championships we, as fans, will have to endure.

The Trojans play in a weak Pac-12 Conference, and boast a solid defense, spectacular offense and just added Penn State's standout running back Silas Redd to the mix for the upcoming season. The demise of LSU only strengthens the Trojans' chances. The one team that is flying under the radar with the capability to take down USC is their Pac-12 foe, the Oregon Ducks.

Tyrann Mathieu's dismissal has set the college football world on fire. Everybody wants to know where he is going to transfer, however it's more than likely going to be at a FCS school. Regardless, the debates have only begun to rage about what the future holds for LSU and company. Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all the latest breaking news regarding Tyrann Mathieu and LSU football.